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Syllabus Sample English 1302
English 1302: Rhetoric and Composition II (Research and Academic Argumentation)
Instructor: Name and title
Course Information: Section; Time; Room
Office/Hours: Time and office location
Email: Use only UTA email for conducting school related communication
Phone: English Dept. Office: 2-2692
ENGL 1302 RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II: This course satisfies the University of Texas at Arlington core
curriculum requirement in communication. This course focuses on critical engagement with ethical and social
issues and the development of academic arguments that communicate a specific point of view. Course includes
issue identification, independent library research, analysis, and the evaluation and synthesis of sources with
students’ own claims, reasons, and evidence.
Core Objectives:
Critical Thinking Skills: To include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and
synthesis of information.
Communication Skills: To include effective development and expression of ideas through written, oral, and
visual communication.
Teamwork: To include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to
support a shared purpose or goal.
Personal Responsibility: To include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical
decision-making.
ENGL 1302 Expected Learning Outcomes: By the end of ENGL 1302, students should be able to:
Rhetorical Knowledge
 Identify and analyze the components and complexities of a rhetorical situation
 Use knowledge of audience, exigence, constraints, genre, tone, diction, syntax, and structure to produce
situation-appropriate argumentative texts, including texts that move beyond formulaic structures
 Know and use special terminology for analyzing and producing arguments
 Practice and analyze informal logic as used in argumentative texts
Critical Reading, Thinking, and Writing
 Understand the interactions among critical thinking, critical reading, and writing
 Integrate personal experiences, values, and beliefs into larger social conversations and contexts
 Find, evaluate, and analyze primary and secondary sources for appropriateness, timeliness, and validity
 Produce situation-appropriate argumentative texts that synthesize sources with their own ideas and
advance the conversation on an important issue
 Provide valid, reliable, and appropriate support for claims, and analyze evidentiary support in others’ texts
Processes
 Practice flexible strategies for generating, revising, and editing complex argumentative texts
 Engage in all stages of advanced, independent library research
 Practice writing as a recursive process that can lead to substantive changes in ideas, structure, and
supporting evidence through multiple revisions
 Use the collaborative and social aspects of writing to critique their own and others’ arguments
Conventions
 Apply and develop knowledge of genre conventions ranging from structure and paragraphing to tone and
mechanics, and be aware of the field-specific nature of these conventions
 Summarize, paraphrase, and quote from sources using appropriate documentation style
 Revise for style and edit for features such as syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
ENGL 1302 Syllabus
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
Employ technologies to format texts according to appropriate stylistic conventions
Required Texts.
nd
Graff and Birkenstein, They Say/I Say 2 edition
rd
First-Year Writing: Perspectives on Argument (2012 UTA custom 3 edition)
Ruszkiewicz et al, The Scott, Foresman Writer (UTA custom edition)
Description of Major Assignments.
Responses/Reading Quizzes: Throughout the semester you will read, analyze, and respond to various
readings, other students, and general discussions More specific reading response prompts will be provided for
each of these responses on Blackboard. Quizzes will be assigned at times to assess your critical reading of various
texts.
Issue Proposal: This semester you will be conducting research on an issue that you select. For this paper, you
will take stock of what you already know about the issue you select, organize and develop your thoughts, and sketch a
plan for your research.
Annotated Bibliography: For this assignment, you will create a list of at least 10 relevant and appropriately
chosen sources that represent multiple perspectives on your issue. You will include a summary of each source and a
discussion of how you might use the source in your next essays.
Mapping the Issue: For this paper, you will map the controversy surrounding your issue by describing its
history and summarizing at least three different positions on the issue—all from a completely neutral point of view.
Researched Position Paper: For this paper, you will advocate a position on your issue with a well-supported
argument written for an audience that you select.
Class Participation: You will be graded daily on class participation, which includes coming to class
prepared, making thoughtful contributions in response to the readings, asking and answering questions, and
presenting a general attitude of interest in the course content.
Peer Reviews. You will take part in peer-writing groups that involve the discussion and evaluation of each
other’s work at a collaborative level. All team members will provide insight into the ethical and/or social issues
discussed in their peer’s work, while incorporating productive feedback into their own essays. Each essay will
include mandatory peer review workshops. You will be required to include all peer review materials in the paper’s
final folder in order to receive full credit and to upload your Team Member Assessment Survey.
Grades. Final grades in FYC are A, B, C, F, and Z. Students must pass ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 with a grade of C or
higher in order to move on to the next course. This policy is in place because of the key role that First-Year English
courses play in students’ educational experiences at UTA.
The Z grade is reserved for students who attend class regularly, participate actively, and complete all the assigned work
on time but simply fail to write well enough to earn a passing grade. This judgment is made by the instructor and not
necessarily based upon a number average. The Z grade is intended to reward students for good effort. While students
who receive a Z will not get credit for the course, the Z grade will not affect their grade point average. They may repeat
the course for credit until they do earn a passing grade.
The F grade, which does negatively affect GPA, goes to failing students who do not attend class regularly, do not
participate actively, or do not complete assigned work.
Your final grade for this course will consist of the following:
Issue Proposal
10%
ENGL 1302 Syllabus
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Annotated Bibliography
Mapping the Issue
Researched Position Paper
Responses /Quizzes
Participation
10%
20%
30%
10%
10%
Final grades will be calculated as follows: A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, F=69%-and below; Z=see the Z grade
policy above.
All major essay projects must be completed to pass the course. If you fail to complete an essay project, you will
fail the course, regardless of your average. Keep all papers until you receive your final grade from the university.
You cannot challenge a grade without evidence.
Late Assignments. Papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date specified. Summary responses will not be
accepted late. Assignments turned in after the class has begun will receive a ten-percent deduction unless the instructor
has agreed to late submission in advance of the due date. For each calendar day following, the work will receive an
additional ten percent deduction. Work is not accepted after three late days. If you must be absent, your work is still due
on the assigned date
Paper Reuse Policy – You are not allowed, under any circumstances, to reuse papers from prior classes in this
course. Reusing papers does not demonstrate any advance in knowledge or skill, and so would not be helpful for
you either in terms of your learning this semester, or for me in terms of assessing this learning. If you feel your
situation constitutes a clear or significant exception to this rule, you must discuss this with me prior to the due
date of the first draft.
Attendance Policy. Improvement in writing is a complex process that requires a great deal of practice and
feedback from readers. Regular attendance is thus necessary for success in ENGL 1302. Students are expected to
attend class regularly and to arrive on time. Excused absences include official university activities, military service,
and/or religious holidays. Students must inform the instructor in writing at least one week in advance of an
excused absence.
Classroom Behavior. Class sessions are short and require your full attention. All cell phones, pagers, iPods, MP3
players, laptops, and other electronic devices should be turned off and put away when entering the classroom; all
earpieces should be removed. Store all none course related materials and other distractions so that you can
concentrate on the readings and discussions each day. Bring book(s) and e-reserve readings (heavily annotated
and carefully read) to every class. Students are expected to participate respectfully in class, to listen to other class
members, and to comment appropriately. I also expect consideration and courtesy from students. Professors are
to be addressed appropriately and communicated with professionally.
According to Student Conduct and Discipline, "students are prohibited from engaging in or attempting to engage in
conduct, either alone or in concert with others, that is intended to obstruct, disrupt, or interfere with, or that in
fact obstructs, disrupts, or interferes with any instructional, educational, research, administrative, or public
performance or other activity authorized to be conducted in or on a University facility. Obstruction or disruption
includes, but is not limited to, any act that interrupts, modifies, or damages utility service or equipment,
communication service or equipment, or computer equipment, software, or networks” (UTA Handbook or
Operating Procedures, Ch. 2, Sec. 2-202). Students who do not respect the guidelines listed above or who disrupt
other students’ learning may be asked to leave class and/or referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
Academic Integrity. All students enrolled in this course are expected to adhere to the UT Arlington Honor Code:
I pledge, on my honor, to uphold UT Arlington’s tradition of academic integrity, a tradition that values hard work
and honest effort in the pursuit of academic excellence.
ENGL 1302 Syllabus
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I promise that I will submit only work that I personally create or contribute to group collaborations, and I will
appropriately reference any work from other sources. I will follow the highest standards of integrity and uphold the
spirit of the Honor Code.
It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable
mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be
disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or
expulsion from the University. "Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion,
the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person,
taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to
commit such acts" (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)
You can get in trouble for plagiarism by failing to correctly indicate places where you are making use of the work of
another or colluding with another to prepare assignments. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the
conventions of citation by which you indicate which ideas are not your own and how your reader can find those
sources. Read your textbook and/or handbook for more information on quoting and citing properly to avoid
plagiarism. If you still do not understand, ask your instructor. All students caught plagiarizing or cheating will be
referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
Americans with Disabilities Act. The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the
spirit and letter of all federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All
instructors at UT Arlington are required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with
disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Any student requiring an accommodation for
this course must provide the instructor with official documentation in the form of a letter certified by the staff in
the Office for Students with Disabilities, University Hall 102. Only those students who have officially documented a
need for an accommodation will have their request honored. Information regarding diagnostic criteria and policies
for obtaining disability-based academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability or by calling the
Office for Students with Disabilities at (817) 272-3364.
Drop Policy. Students may drop or swap (adding and dropping a class concurrently) classes through self-service in
MyMav from the beginning of the registration period through the late registration period. After the late
registration period, students must see their academic advisor to drop a class or withdraw. Undeclared students
must see an advisor in the University Advising Center. Drops can continue through a point two-thirds of the way
through the term or session. It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw if they do not plan to attend
after registering. Students will not be automatically dropped for non-attendance. Repayment of certain types of
financial aid administered through the University may be required as the result of dropping classes or withdrawing.
Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Writing Center. The Writing Center, Room 411 in the Central Library, offers tutoring for any writing you are
assigned while a student at UT-Arlington. You may visit the Writing Center for 45-minute face-to-face or online
sessions. You may register and schedule appointments online at uta.mywconline.com or by visiting the Writing
Center. In addition to normal sessions, the Writing Center will offer Quick Hits (5-10 minute sessions for those
nagging last minute problems, spelling/word choice questions, or editing concerns) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday
through Thursday. During Quick Hits periods one of our staff will also respond to brief questions on our FaceBook
page www.facebook.com/WritingCenteratUTArlington. Research Librarians will also offer Paper's Due Drop Inn to
assist with research and citation specific questions. If you need assistance with registration, please call 817-2722601 during regular business hours. If you come to the Writing Center without an appointment, you will be helped
on a first-come, first-served basis as consultants become available. Writing Center consultants are carefully chosen
and trained, and they can assist you with any aspect of your writing, from understanding an assignment to revising
an early draft to polishing a final draft. However, the Writing Center is not an editing service; consultants will not
correct your grammar or rewrite your assignment for you, but they will help you become a better editor of your
own writing. I encourage each of you to use the Writing Center.
ENGL 1302 Syllabus
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In addition to one-on-one consultations, the Writing Center will offer FYC and grammar workshops periodically
throughout the semester. For more information on these, please visit us at http://www.uta.edu/owl.
Library Research Help for Students in the First-Year English Program. UT Arlington Library offers many ways for
students to receive help with writing assignments: All First-Year English courses have access to research guides
that assist students with required research. To access the guides go to http://libguides.uta.edu. Search for the
course number in the search box located at the top of the page. The research guides direct students to useful
databases, as well as provide information about citation, developing a topic/thesis, and receiving help. Other
helpful information may be found at links provided below:
Library Home Page......................................... http://www.uta.edu/library
Subject Guides ............................................... http://libguides.uta.edu
Subject Librarians .......................................... http://www.uta.edu/library/help/subject-librarians.php
Database List.................................................. http://www.uta.edu/library/databases/index.php
Course Reserves ............................................ http://pulse.uta.edu/vwebv/enterCourseReserve.do
Library Catalog ............................................... http://discover.uta.edu/
E-Journals....................................................... http://liblink.uta.edu/UTAlink/az
Library Tutorials ............................................ http://www.uta.edu/library/help/tutorials.php
Connecting from Off- Campus ....................... http://libguides.uta.edu/offcampus
Ask A Librarian ............................................... http://ask.uta.edu
Student Support Services: UT Arlington provides a variety of resources and programs designed to help students
develop academic skills, deal with personal situations, and better understand concepts and information related to
their courses. Resources include tutoring, major-based learning centers, developmental education, advising and
mentoring, personal counseling, and federally funded programs. For individualized referrals, students may visit the
reception desk at University College (Ransom Hall), call the Maverick Resource Hotline at 817-272-6107, send a
message to [email protected], or view the information at www.uta.edu/resources.
Student Feedback Survey: At the end of each term, students enrolled in classes categorized as lecture, seminar, or
laboratory shall be directed to complete a Student Feedback Survey (SFS). Instructions on how to access the SFS
for this course will be sent directly to each student through MavMail approximately 10 days before the end of the
term. Each student’s feedback enters the SFS database anonymously and is aggregated with that of other students
enrolled in the course. UT Arlington’s effort to solicit, gather, tabulate, and publish student feedback is required by
state law; students are strongly urged to participate. For more information, visit http://www.uta.edu/sfs.
Emergency Exit Procedures: Should we experience an emergency event that requires us to vacate the building,
students should exit the room and move toward the nearest exit, which is located [insert a description of the
nearest exit/emergency exit]. When exiting the building during an emergency, one should never take an elevator
but should use the stairwells. Faculty members and instructional staff will assist students in selecting the safest
route for evacuation and will make arrangements to assist handicapped individuals.
Electronic Communication Policy. All students must have access to a computer with internet capabilities. Students
should check email daily for course information and updates. I will send group emails through Blackboard. I am
happy to communicate with students through email. However, I ask that you be wise in your use of this tool. Make
sure you have consulted the syllabus for answers before you send me an email. Remember, I do not monitor my
email 24 hours a day. I check it periodically during the school week and occasionally on the weekend.
The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University “MavMail” address as the sole official means of
communication with students. MavMail is used to remind students of important deadlines, advertise events and
activities, and permit the University to conduct official transactions exclusively by electronic means. For example,
important information concerning registration, financial aid, payment of bills, and graduation are now sent to
ENGL 1302 Syllabus
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students through the MavMail system. All students are assigned a MavMail account. Students are responsible for
checking their MavMail regularly. Information about activating and using MavMail is available at
http://www.uta.edu/oit/email/. There is no additional charge to students for using this account, and it remains
active even after they graduate from UT Arlington.
Conferences and Questions: I have three regularly scheduled office hours each week. These times are reserved for
students to drop by or to make an appointment to discuss course assignments, grades, or other class-related
concerns. I will be happy to make other appointment times for you if your class schedule conflicts with regular
conference times or if I am not available on certain days. If you receive a grade on an assignment or quiz about
which you have questions, please wait twenty-four hours before discussing it with me. This gives you time to
process the assignment comments and to think about how your course work meets the requirements set forth for
each assignment. I do not discuss individual student issues in the classroom before, during or after class.
Syllabus and Schedule Changes. Instructors try to make their syllabuses as complete as possible; however, during the
course of the semester I may be required to alter, add, or abandon certain policies/assignments. Instructors reserve the
right to make such changes as they become necessary. Students will be informed of any major changes in writing.
Course Schedule. Assignments are due on the day they are listed.
ENGL 1302 Syllabus
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Sample 1302 Sample Daily Schedule
Syllabus Abbreviations
TSIS: They Say/I Say
SFW: The Scott, Foresman Writer
FYW: First-Year Writing: Perspectives on Argument
Week
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
Assignments
Course introduction. Syllabus Policies and procedures.
Rhetorical situation; Diagnostic Essay (in-class)
Due: Signed Syllabus Contract
Rhetorical situation, cont.
Read: FYW pp. P12-P16 and “The Rhetorical Situation” pp. P17-P20.
Last day for late registration
Entering Academic conversations
Read: TSIS Preface, Introduction, and Ch. 9
Due: RR#1 (2 pages or around 500-600 words): Choose a current issue that interests you. Write a
brief (1/2 page) summary of the issue. Then put in your oar. What do “they” say About the issue?
What do you say? Use the templates in the Introduction to help organize your ideas.
Labor Day Holiday
Introduction to argument
Read: FYW Chapter 1 (pages 1-5, 11-23, 26-28, 36) and TSIS Chapters 1 and 7
Discuss ENGL 1302 assignment sequence
Read: ENGL 1302 assignments in FYW pp. P48-P69. Pay careful attention to the Issue Proposal
(ISSUE PROPOSAL).
Due: RR#2: Name another current issue that interests you. Why does it interest you? What stake do
you have in the issue? What is your position? What are opponents’ positions? Where is there
common ground on the issue? Also, bring questions About assignment sequence in general and
ISSUE PROPOSAL specifically.
Discuss current issues
Read: Review FYW Chapter 1 pp. 18-28.
Due: RR#3: Select three possible issues to research this semester. Draft responses to invention
questions 1-4 in the Issue Proposal assignment for each issue (FYW P51-P52).
Review and discuss sample ISSUE PROPOSAL. Discuss peer review.
Read: Sample ISSUE PROPOSAL in FYW pp. P55-P56 and “Understanding Your Instructor’s
Comments” and “FYE Evaluation Rubric” in SFW pp. xxiii-xxix.
Due: First draft of ISSUE PROPOSAL.
Finding and Stating Claims. Assign Peer Writing Groups*.
Read: FYW Chapter 4 and TSIS Chapter 4
In-class work on ISSUE PROPOSALs.
Due: Peer review feedback of ISSUE PROPOSALs to group members
Due: Submit Team Member Assessment Survey*
Reasons and evidence
Read: FYW Chapter 6.
Due: RR#4: FYW pp. 171-172 Tasks 1 and 2
Reasons and evidence, cont.
Read: TSIS Chapters 2, 3, 5; SFW pp. 233-248
Discuss strengths and weaknesses of ISSUE PROPOSAL and trajectory of research project. Assign
Annotated Bibliography (AB).
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Due: Issue Proposal.
6
6
7
7
7
8
8
Library Day: Research for Annotated Bibliography
Meet in library room B20.
Read: SFW pp. 224-232.
Due: Possible search terms for your library research.
Warranting claims and reasons
Read: Warren, “Taming the Warrant” (on Blackboard); FYW Chapter 9 (skim this chapter).
Warranting claims and reasons.
Read: Review FYW Chapter 9.
Review and discuss sample ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Read: Sample ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY FYW pp. P57-P58.
Due: First draft of ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY (At least 5 out of the 10 required entries)
In-class work on ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Due: Bring your Annotated Bibliography to class to work on
Mapping the Issue Essay Assignment(MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY)
Read: MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY assignment in FYW pp. P59-P62.
Due: Questions About MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY assignment.
Strengths and weaknesses of ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Due: Annotated Bibliography.
8
9
9
9
10
10
10
11
11
Ethos, pathos, and logos
Read: FYW Chapter 5 and “Evaluating Proofs” handout
Due: RR#5: Select an article from your ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY and analyze its claims and
support (see Invention #3 in assignment pg. P59 in FYW).
Reporting evidence
Read: FYW Chapter 7
Due: RR#6: Identify 3 things from FYW Chapter 7 and explain how you plan to apply or use them in
your Mapping the Issue Paper and/or Researched Position Paper.
Reporting evidence
Read: Review FYW Chapter 7
Due: RR# 7: Write a draft outline of your MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY. Include the evidence you will
use to support your discussion of the conversations you’re mapping.
In-class work on MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY. Assign Peer Writing Groups.
Read: Sample MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY in FYW pp. P63-P65.
Due: First draft of MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY.
In-class work on MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY
Due: Working draft of MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY brought to class
In-class work on MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY
Due: Peer reviews of MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY.
Assign Researched Position Paper
Read: RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER assignment in FYW pp. P66-P69.
Due: Questions About RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER assignment
Due: Team Member Assessment Survey*
Your reader’s role in your argument
Read: FYW Chapter 8, TSIS Chapter 6
Due: RR#8: (1 page, around 250 words) Name the intended audience for your RESEARCHED
POSITION PAPER (remember, it must be a person or group with a real address) and explain how you
intend to frame your problem/solution for your chosen audience (see FYW pp. 200-201 for
invention questions).
Last day to drop
Outlining your argument
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Read: FYW Chapter 3 (you can skim this chapter)
Due: RR#9: Outline of your RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER, including main claim, “so what,” reasons,
and support.
Discuss strengths and weaknesses of MAPPING THE ISSUE ESSAY.
Due: Mapping the Issue Paper.
12
12
12
RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER Presentation Instructions and Practice Presentations
Rhetorical Chairs Activity
Making your case
Read: TSIS Chapter 10
Due: RR#10: Draft a paragraph of your RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER in which you include a reason,
support your reason with evidence, and include “metacommentary” to clarify or elAborate.
13
Rogerian Argument
Read: FYW Chapter 11
Due: Where do you have common ground with opponents in your RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER?
Draft a paragraph of your RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER in which you highlight your common
ground.
13
Research Process
Read: FYW Chapters 13-14.
Due: Questions About your research process.
Library Day – meet in room B20
Due: Bring a list of questions you still need to answer/information you still need to gather for your
RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER and search terms for library work.
In-class work on RESEARCHED POSITION PAPERs.
Read: Sample RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER pp. P70-P73 in FYW.
In-class work on RESEARCHED POSITION PAPERs. Assign Peer Writing Groups*.
Rhetorical Chairs.
Due: First draft of RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER.
In-class work on RESEARCHED POSITION PAPERs.
Due: Working Draft of RESEARCHED POSITION PAPERs.
In-class work on RESEARCHED POSITION PAPERs.
Due: Team Member Assessment Survey*.
In-class work on RESEARCHED POSITION PAPERs.
Due: Working draft of RESEARCHED POSITION PAPERs.
13
14
14
14
15
15
15
16
Thanksgiving Holiday
RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER presentations.
Due: Researched Position Paper*.
16
16
Class evaluations. RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER presentations, cont.
RESEARCHED POSITION PAPER presentations, cont.
ENGL 1302 Syllabus
Core Approval Application
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